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Work Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nature of Work ANIMAL SHELTER PERSONNEL ARE EMPLOYEES OF THE ANIMAL SERVICE CENTER OF THE MESILLA VALLEY (ASCMV) - NOT THE CITY OF LAS CRUCES. Provide compassionate and attentive care of the animals ...

Animal Caregiver

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$15.58/hr

Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley Opening Date: 08/24/2026 Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 ... Work Situation Factors Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to ...

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Work Animal information

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$9

$21

$27

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a work animal?

Work animals, also known as draft or working animals, are animals that are trained to perform tasks for humans, such as carrying loads, plowing fields, herding livestock, or providing transportation. Common work animals include horses, donkeys, oxen, dogs, camels, and elephants. These animals have been essential in agriculture, transportation, and other industries throughout human history, especially before the advent of modern machinery. Today, work animals are still used in many parts of the world, particularly in rural or developing areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a work animal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Work Animal, essential traits include physical strength, stamina, trainability, and a temperament suited to working closely with humans, with selection often based on breed and health. Training typically involves learning to use harnesses, respond to commands, and operate within specific environments or alongside machinery. Patience, reliability, and responsiveness are crucial soft attributes that make a work animal excel in tasks such as farming, transport, or service work. These qualities ensure safety, efficiency, and harmonious collaboration between animals and their handlers in demanding work settings.

What are some of the key challenges faced by work animal caretakers, and how can they be addressed to ensure animal welfare and productivity?

Caretakers of work animals often encounter challenges such as preventing overwork, managing injuries, and providing proper nutrition and rest. Balancing workload with the animal's physical capabilities is critical to maintaining health and productivity. Effective communication with veterinarians and regular health assessments help in early detection of issues, while ongoing training ensures animals are handled safely and humanely. Building strong relationships with the animals and understanding their behavior also contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.

What is the difference between Work Animal vs Service Animal?

AspectWork AnimalService Animal
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification, but may require trainingMust be trained and certified according to ADA standards
Work EnvironmentRural, agricultural, or specialized settingsPublic spaces, indoor and outdoor environments
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in farming, transportation, or entertainment industriesAssists individuals with disabilities in daily activities
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles of working animalsAssistance for disabled individuals

Work animals are trained to perform tasks in agricultural or specialized settings, often without formal certification. Service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities and must meet strict certification standards. While work animals are used in industries like farming, service animals are permitted in public spaces to aid their handlers. Both play vital roles but serve different purposes and environments.

More about Work Animal jobs

What cities are hiring for Work Animal jobs?

Cities with the most Work Animal job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Work Animal jobs?

The most popular types of Work Animal jobs are:

What states have the most Work Animal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Work Animal jobs include:

Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

$15.58/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Nature of Work ANIMAL SHELTER PERSONNEL ARE EMPLOYEES OF THE ANIMAL SERVICE CENTER OF THE MESILLA VALLEY (ASCMV) - NOT THE CITY OF LAS CRUCES. Provide compassionate and attentive care of the animals at all times, maintain a clean healthy environment for the animals and the public, and assist with animal adoptions. Environmental Factors Animal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, wastes and infectious materials and surgical instruments; cleaning solvents and material; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions, may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public.

Physical Factors Moderate to heavy lifting of fifty (50) pounds or more; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating various equipment. Work Situation Factors Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, weekends, nights, holidays and responding to customer issues. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION SUBJECT TO DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING ACCORDING TO ANIMAL SERVICES CENTER OF THE MESILLA VALLEY (ASCMV) POLICY.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Full-time, non-exempt This position is graded a XN04 Duties and Responsibilities Providing a healthy, safe, clean and pleasant environment and facilities for the animal and the public; daily, thorough cleaning of all animal areas, including inside/outside runs, cart areas, floors, dishes, bedding, and stocking supplies and doing laundry; spot cleaning of animal and public areas throughout the day. Treating all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance; feeding the animals, including providing special diets as needed; monitoring the health of the animals on an ongoing basis and rapidly identifying any health problems or conditions (medical or behavioral) and immediately reporting it to the supervisor or veterinary technician; medicating animal as directed.

Assisting in the vaccination, examination, performance of medical treatments, and, euthanasia; socializing and grooming the animals; assessing the temperament of the animals to facilitate finding the best possible placement for each individual animal; providing transportations for animals as needed, to and from vet appointments, for adoption events, to other shelters, or anywhere else needed. Respond promptly and courteously to questions and inquiries from customers; educate the public and rescue groups about City ordinances and regulations. Work with volunteers as assigned.

Remove, or assist in the removal of deceased animals from public areas as needed; ensure safe humane handling of animals during procedure. Minimum Qualifications Equivalent to a high school diploma. Animal handling, animal shelter and/or labor experience desirable.

A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with ASCMV policy. Licenses/Certification(s) Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with ASCMV policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Availability - ASCMV is open seven days a week and observe eleven (11) holidays a year. Availability and a willingness to work a flexible schedule are required. Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of humane animal handling, care, and treatment; a variety of animal species, breeds, and related behavioral and health characteristics; operational characteristics of kennel equipment and tools; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers; occupational hazards and standard kennel safety practices; pertinent Federal, State, and local codes, laws, and regulations. Skills in: Correctly and humanely use and apply a variety of animal handling skills; operate animal control tools and equipment in a humane, safe and effective manner; operate office equipment including computers. Ability to: Assist in humanely restraining animals for various procedures; compassionately interact with animals in ways to minimize stress and enhance environment; respond to requests and inquiries from the public accurately, promptly and courteously; understand and follow oral and written instructions; work independently in the absence of supervision; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.